WINONA, Minn. — As if playing a third match in as many days wasn't tough enough, the Saint Mary's University women's tennis team had to take the court Sunday afternoon against defending MIAC Playoff champion Carleton.
 
And the Knights were very ungracious guests, dealing the Cardinals an 8-1 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference setback at the Winona Tennis Center.
 
"It was a great battle today," said Saint Mary's coach Jeff Halberg. "We played a nationally ranked program and gave them a good fight. I'm proud of the ladies for the effort they put forth."
 
Carleton dominated the three doubles matches, posting 8-1, 8-2, 8-0 wins to grab an early 3-0 advantage.
 
And in singles, the Knights collected victories in five of the six contests. Emily Henderson (Jordan, Minn.) recorded SMU's lone win, rolling past Carleton's Kathryn Burton 6-0, 6-1. Ashley Renwick (Farmington, Minn.) lost a marathon match at No. 3 singles, falling 6-1, 6-7 (4), 12-10 to the Knights' Zoe Rose.
 
Saint Mary's (0-2 MIAC, 2-3 overall) are back in action next weekend, hosting Loras (Friday) and Bethany Lutheran (Saturday) in a pair of nonconference matches at the Winona Tennis Center.
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